Adiponectin, leptin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein values in obese children - important markers for metabolic syndrome?

The role of adipokines and ghrelin in interactions and clinical implications in childhood obesity

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, especially prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula, and is known to contribute to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), ghrelin, and insulin homeostasis in childhood obesity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in Babylon involving 120 children/adolescents (7-17 years). The participants were divided into two groups: 60 obese and 60 healthy controls. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were examined, applying World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards to categorize weight status. Data on blood lipids, glucose, adipokines, and ghrelin were collected in Babylon (Merjan Medical City), ensuring accuracy and providing insights into pediatric obesity's metabolic and hormonal status.

RESULT

Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory attributes of children were evaluated, with classification as normal-weight or obese based on BMI/Z-score and Waist Circumference. The obese group exhibited elevated triglycerides and insulin levels, as well as reduced adiponectin levels (P ≤ 0.001). Leptin levels showed a positive correlation with BMI/Z-score (r = 0.352, P = 0.006). A diagnostic model demonstrated the significant diagnostic capacity of leptin (AUC > 99%) and its importance in predicting childhood obesity. Each unit increase in leptin elevated the probability of obesity by a factor of 1.197 (95% CI: 1.0507-1.3632, P = 0.0068).

CONCLUSION

The study revealed significant differences in clinical, biochemical, and biological markers of obesity between the research groups and the control group. Leptin emerged as a significant predictor of obesity, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. The complex interactions among these adipokines underscore the necessity for comprehensive obesity management strategies.

C-Reactive Protein as a Marker of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the pediatric population has been reported in many studies to be associated with an inflammatory response. However, to our knowledge, there is no definitive conclusion in the form of a meta-analysis. The issue we aimed to address is whether C-reactive protein (CRP) is a trustworthy marker in detecting inflammation in children and adolescents with MetS. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS until 31 June 2023 for studies involving children and adolescents with MetS where hsCRP or CRP were measured. After the screening process, we identified 24 full-text articles that compared 930 patients with MetS with either healthy (n = 3782) or obese (n = 1658) controls. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Begg's rank correlation test and Egger's regression test. Statistical analysis was carried out based on pooled mean differences (MDs) and an associated 95% CI. Data analysis showed that MetS is associated with higher levels of CRP than those in healthy controls (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: (0.49-2.08), p = 0.002) in obese patients (MD = 0.88, 95% CI: (0.38-1.39), p = 0.0006). However, conventional methods of CRP analysis were found to be more accurate in differentiating between children and adolescents with obesity and those with MetS, compared with hsCRP (MD = 0.60, 95% CI: (-0.08-1.28), p = 0.08). No risk of bias was assessed. In conclusion, CRP is a reliable inflammatory marker for differentiating pediatric patients with MetS from healthy ones. On the other hand, it did not prove to be very accurate in distinguishing between patients who had MetS and those who were obese. There should be more research performed in this field.

High estradiol levels during a long agonist IVF protocol are associated with decreased food intake, higher leptin concentrations, and lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

PURPOSE

To study whether different hormonal phases affect appetite regulation, food intake, and concentrations of leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) during a long agonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol.

METHODS

Fifty-four infertile women were encountered thrice, the first of which was at the beginning of their period (low estradiol). The other two visits were during a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog downregulation (low estradiol) and at the end of a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation (high estradiol). The first visit was the reference; the women served as their controls. The concentrations of leptin, GLP-1, and hs-CRP were assessed from plasma. Dietary intake was assessed using food records (FRs). In addition, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and plasma levels of estradiol, glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and lipids were monitored. Twenty-six of the subjects also had a postprandial test.

RESULTS

During the stimulation protocol, leptin concentrations elevated (P < 0.001), and energy intake decreased (P = 0.03), while estradiol levels increased (P < 0.001). GLP-1 levels unchanged (P = 0.75) and hs-CRP (P = 0.03) concentrations diminished, while estradiol levels increased.

CONCLUSION

No increased food intake or weight gain occurred during the stimulation protocol; thus, leptin may protect from overeating during high estradiol levels, and leptin resistance may not occur during a short follow-up. Also, a favorable anti-inflammatory effect was detected. During this study, we observed no harmful metabolic effects, which might affect negatively maternal health.

Clustering of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Mexican Pre-Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To examine clustering of cardiometabolic markers in Mexican children at age 11 years and compare a metabolic syndrome (MetS) score to an exploratory cardiometabolic health (CMH) score.

METHODS

We used data from children enrolled in the POSGRAD birth cohort with cardiometabolic data available (n = 413). We used principal component analysis (PCA) to derive a Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) score and an exploratory cardiometabolic health (CMH) score, which additionally included adipokines, lipids, inflammatory markers, and adiposity. We assessed reliability of individual cardiometabolic risk as defined by MetS and CMH by calculating % agreement and Cohen's kappa statistic.

RESULTS

At least one cardiometabolic risk factor was present in 42% of study participants; the most common risk factors were low High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (31.9%) and elevated triglycerides (18.2%). Measures of adiposity and lipids explained the most variation in cardiometabolic measures for both MetS and CMH scores. Two-thirds of individuals were categorized in the same risk category by both MetS and CMH scores (κ = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

MetS and CMH scores capture a similar amount of variation. Additional follow-up studies comparing predictive abilities of MetS and CMH scores may enable improved identification of children at risk for cardiometabolic disease.

Leptin Concentrations Determine the Association between High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels and Body Mass Index in Prepubertal Children

Obesity is associated with the presence of low-grade inflammation even during childhood. The dysregulation in the secretion of adipokines, such as leptin, which occurs in obesity states, could be associated with an increase in inflammatory factors already at an early age. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the role of leptin levels in the association between body mass index (BMI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in healthy schoolchildren. Leptin and hs-CRP levels were analyzed in two pediatric cohorts comprising 684 prepubertal children and 763 adolescents. hs-CRP concentrations correlated significantly with BMI and leptin levels in prepubertal males and females as well as in adolescents. However, after adjusting for leptin concentration, no significant correlation was observed between hs-CRP and BMI in prepubertal children, while the correlations remained significant in adolescents. The same differences were observed when analyzed BMI according to hs-CRP tertile after adjusting for leptin; mean BMI was not significantly different between hs-CRP tertile in prepubertal children but was significantly different in adolescents. In conclusion, the fact that leptin concentrations determine the association of BMI with hs-CRP levels in prepubertal children, but not in adolescents, suggests a role for leptin in low-grade inflammation at early ages, while other factors seem to contribute to hs-CRP levels later in life.

Comparison of Diagnostic Models to Estimate the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in a Chilean Pediatric Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The pediatric population has various criteria for measuring metabolic syndrome (MetS). The diversity of consensus for diagnosis has led to different non-comparable reported prevalence. Given the increase in its prevalence in pediatric ages, it is necessary to develop efficient methods to encourage early detection. Consequently, early screening for the risk of MetS could favor timely action in preventing associated comorbidities in adulthood. This study aimed to establish the diagnostic capacity of models that use non-invasive (anthropometric) and invasive (serum biomarkers) variables for the early detection of MetS in Chilean children. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 220 children aged 6 to 11. Multivariate logistic regressions and discriminant analyses were applied to determine the diagnostic capacity of invasive and non-invasive variables. Based on these results, four diagnostic models were created and compared: (i) anthropometric, (ii) hormonal (insulin, leptin, and adiponectin), (iii) Lipid A (high-density cholesterol lipoprotein [HDL-c] and triglycerides [TG]) and (iv) Lipid B (TG/HDL-c). The prevalence of MetS was 26.8%. Lipid biomarkers (HDL-c and TG) and their ratio (TG/HDL-c) presented higher diagnostic capacity, above 80%, followed by body mass index (BMI, 0.71-0.88) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, 0.70-0.87). The lipid model A was the most accurate (sensitivity [S] = 62.7%, specificity [E] = 96.9%, validity index 87.7%), followed by the anthropometric model (S = 69.5%, E = 88.8% and validity index = 83.6%). In conclusion, detecting MetS was possible through invasive and non-invasive methods tested in overweight and obese children. The proposed models based on anthropometric variables, or serum biomarkers of the lipid model A, presented acceptable validity indices. Moreover, they were higher than those that measured adipokines, leptin, and adiponectin. The anthropometric model was the most cost-effective and easy to apply in different environments.

Metabolic, inflammatory and adipokine differences on overweight/obese children with and without metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in both children and adults. Our aim was to describe metabolic, inflammatory and adipokine differences on overweight/obese children with and without MetS.

METHODS

This was an observational study. A total of 107 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years were included. Among this sample, n = 21 had normal body weight, n = 22 had overweight/obesity without MetS, and n = 64 had overweight/obesity with MetS. Anthropometric data and biochemical, adipokine, and inflammatory markers were measured. Different ratios were then assessed for estimate the probability of MetS. ROC analysis was used to estimate the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cutoff points for ratios.

RESULTS

Serum CRP levels were higher among children with overweight/obesity with MetS. Adipokines like PAI-1 and leptin were significantly lower in children with normal body weight. The Adipo/Lep ratio was highest in the group with normal body weight. TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were significantly correlated with BMI, DBP, PCR, and PAI-1. TC/HDL-C ratio was significantly correlated with SBP and resistin. TGL/HDL-C ratio was significantly correlated with waist and hip circumferences, fasting glucose, and MCP-1. The AUC for TG/HDL-C at the optimal cutoff of 2.39 showed 85.71% sensitivity and 71.43% specificity. CT/HDL-C at the optimal cutoff of 3.70 showed 65.08% sensitivity and 81.82% specificity. Levels of both ratios increased significantly as additional MetS criteria were fulfilled.

CONCLUSION

Low-grade inflammation is correlated with MetS in children with overweight/obesity. TGL, HDL-C and TGL/HDL-C ratio, obtainable from routine lab tests, allows identification of MetS in children with overweight or obesity.

Low Complement C1q/TNF-related Protein-13 Levels are Associated with Childhood Obesity But not Binge Eating Disorder

Objective

C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs) are recently described members of the adipokine family. CTRP-13, a new member of this family, has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and had an anorexigenic effect on food intake in experimental studies. The aim was to investigate serum CTRP-13 levels in children with obesity, and its relationship with other adipokines, metabolic parameters, or binge eating disorder (BED).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 105 pubertal children attending a single center. Clinical (metabolic syndrome, BED) and biochemical (glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin, adiponectin, CTRP-13 levels) parameters were assessed.

Results

Sixty children with obesity [24 males (40%); median age 14.7 (13.0-16.4) years] and 45 healthy controls [15 males (33.3%); median age 15.2 (14.1-16.5) years] were included. Serum adiponectin and CTRP-13 levels were significantly lower in children with obesity than controls (7.1 vs 20.1 μg/mL, p<0.001; 64.7 vs 103.8 ng/mL, p<0.001, respectively). CTRP-13 levels correlated negatively with body mass index (Spearman rho=-0.230, p=0.018) and positively with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (Spearman rho=0.218, p=0.026). There was no significant difference in serum CTRP-13 concentrations in terms of the presence of metabolic syndrome or BED.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity seems to be causing dysregulation in adipokine production and function, including the down-regulation of CTRP-13. The positive correlation between CTRP-13 and HDL-C levels suggested a possible effect of this adipokine on lipid metabolism. Thus CTRP-13 may be a novel biomarker for dyslipidemia in childhood obesity.

Can dietary intake protect against low-grade inflammation in children and adolescents?

In children and adolescents, chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of co- and multi-morbid conditions to mental health disorders. Diet quality is a potential mechanism of action that can exacerbate or ameliorate low-grade inflammation; however, the exact way dietary intake can regulate the immune response in children and adolescents is still to be fully understood. In this review, I discuss the current observational and interventional evidence that supports a potential therapeutic role for dietary intake in the amelioration of low-grade inflammation and highlight the need to develop a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying and attenuating the associations between dietary intake and low-grade inflammation in children and adolescents.

The effect of metabolic syndrome on head and neck cancer incidence risk: a population-based prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There are limited evidences clarifying the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components on head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence risk. We explored the correlation between MS, MS components, and the combined effects of MS and C-reactive protein (CRP) and HNC risk.

METHODS

This is a prospective analysis of 474,929 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to assess the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and to explore the non-linear correlation between an individual MS component and HNC risk.

RESULTS

Individuals with MS (HR, 1.05; 95%CI, 0.90-1.22) had no higher HNC risk than those without MS. More MS components showed no higher HNC risk. Nevertheless, hyperglycemia (HR, 1.22; 95%CI, 1.02-1.45) was independently correlated with elevated HNC risk. In a non-linear manner, waist circumference and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) showed a U-shaped association with HNC risk. Further, piecewise linear model analysis indicated that higher male waist circumference, female waist circumference (≥93.16 cm), blood glucose (≥4.70 mmol/L) and male HDL-C (≥1.26mmo/L), and lower male HDL-C (<1.26mmo/L) were correlated with higher HNC risk. Increased CRP (≥1.00mg/dL) elevated HNC risk and individuals with MS and CRP≥1.00mg/dL had the highest HNC risk (HR, 1.29; 95%CI, 1.05-1.58). But no joint effect between MS and CRP was detected (p-interaction=0.501).

CONCLUSIONS

MS are not correlated with elevated HNC risk. High waist circumference and blood glucose are independent risk factor of HNC incidence. Controlling HDL-C in an appropriate range can get the lowest risk of male HNC. No joint effect of MS and CRP exists in HNC tumorigenesis.

Progression of Metabolic Syndrome Components along with Depression Symptoms and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: The Bogalusa Heart Study

This study examined the association between depression symptoms and metabolic syndrome (MetS) or its components prospectively. It assessed the mediator role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Self-reported depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. MetS was defined as having at least three of the following five criteria: (1) waist circumference >102 centimeters (cm) in men or >88 cm in women; (2) triglycerides ≥ 50 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); (3) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women; (4) blood pressure: systolic ≥ 30 and diastolic ≥85 mm of mercury or on antihypertensive medication; and (5) fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. The risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate Poisson regression models. A total of 419 White and 180 Black individuals with a mean age of 36 years were followed for 6.9 years. The findings demonstrated that hs-CRP mediated the influence of depression symptoms on central obesity in White young adults. The adjusted RR for central obesity was 1.08 with 95% CI of 0.88-1.32, and the value for hs-CRP was 1.12 with 95% CI of 1.02-1.23. Although depression did not influence MetS in this study cohort, the complete mediator role of hs-CRP was established for central obesity, a component of MetS in White young adults.

Dietary quality score is positively associated with serum adiponectin level in Indonesian preschool-age children living in the urban area of Jakarta

An unhealthy diet during childhood directly impacts the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) later on in life. However, well-documented information on this issue is lacking. We investigated the dietary quality of young Indonesian children and assessed the relationship to serum adiponectin levels as an early marker of NCDs. Eighty-five (44 girls and 41 boys) Indonesian preschool-age children in East Jakarta were included in this study. Dietary intake data were gathered by collecting repeated 24-hour recalls for one weekday and one day during the weekend, which were then further converted into participants' Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 scores. Meanwhile, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the serum adiponectin level. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the HEI 2015 score and serum adiponectin, adjusting for potential confounders. The mean HEI 2015 score was 33.2 ± 8.3 points, which was far below the recommended score of ≥ 80 points, while the mean serum adiponectin was 10.3 ± 4.1 μg/mL. Multiple linear regression testing showed that a one-point increase in the HEI 2015 score was significantly associated with an increase in the serum adiponectin level by 0.115 μg/mL after adjusting for exclusive breastfeeding history (β = 0.115; 95% CI = 0.010-0.221; p = 0.032). In conclusion, better adherence of young children to a healthy diet has a positive association with their adiponectin level. This result suggests that strengthening children's dietary quality from an early age by involving all parties in the children's environment (e.g., parents, teachers at school, policymakers) may help to reduce the risk of NCDs later on in childhood and during adult life.

Associations of Dietary Intake on Biological Markers of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In children and adolescents, chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of co- and multi-morbid conditions to mental health disorders. Diet quality is a potential mechanism of action that can exacerbate or ameliorate low-grade inflammation; however, the exact way dietary intake can regulate the immune response in children and adolescents is still to be fully understood.

METHODS

Studies that measured dietary intake (patterns of diet, indices, food groups, nutrients) and any inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents aged 2 to19 years and published until November 2020 were included in this systematic review, and were selected in line with PRISMA guidelines through the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Global Health, Medline COMPLETE and Web of Science-Core Collection. A total of 53 articles were identified.

RESULTS

Results show that adequate adherence to healthful dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, or food groups such as vegetables and fruit, or macro/micro nutrients such as fibre or vitamin C and E, are associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, mainly c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), whereas adherence to a Western dietary pattern, as well as intake of food groups such as added sugars, macro-nutrients such as saturated fatty acids or ultra-processed foods, is associated with higher levels of the same pro-inflammatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first systematic review examining dietary intake and biological markers of inflammation in both children and adolescents. A good quality diet, high in vegetable and fruit intake, wholegrains, fibre and healthy fats ameliorates low-grade inflammation, and therefore represents a promising therapeutic approach, as well as an important element for disease prevention in both children and adolescents.

Adiponectin and Leptin Adipocytokines in Metabolic Syndrome: What Is Its Importance?

The global obesity epidemic has motivated a large number of investigations related to adipose tissue. Within the advances in this area, a variety of factors secreted by adipose tissue and with regulatory activity on caloric intake, energy expenditure, reproduction, locomotor activity, glycidic and lipid metabolism, immune response, and bone physiology have been described. Among these adipocyte hormones, collectively called “adipokines” or “adipocytokines,” leptin (LEP) and adiponectin are addressed in this review. The regulation of adipocytokines is altered in diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome (MS) due to the increase in the mass of white adipose tissue. LEP and adiponectin have a broad spectrum of functions in regulating metabolism and are an important link between obesity and MS. Because these adipocytokines have opposite effects on subclinical inflammation and insulin resistance, it has been suggested that the combined use of these 2 adipocytokines may work as a better biomarker in the diagnosis of MS than using them individually. In this review, we address the characteristics and main functions of adipocytokines derived from adipose tissue such as adiponectin and LEP, which in the Colombian context could give good guidance for the management of MS, especially in populations of children and adolescents.

Vanadium and insulin: Partners in metabolic regulation

Since the 1970s, the biological role of vanadium compounds has been discussed as insulin-mimetic or insulin-enhancer agents. The action of vanadium compounds has been investigated to determine how they influence the insulin signaling pathway. Khan and coworkers proposed key proteins for the insulin pathway study, introducing the concept "critical nodes". In this review, we also considered critical kinases and phosphatases that participate in this pathway, which will permit a better comprehension of a critical node, where vanadium can act: a) insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrates, and protein tyrosine phosphatases; b) phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin complex, protein kinase B, and phosphatase and tensin homolog; and c) insulin receptor substrates and mitogen-activated protein kinases, each node having specific negative modulators. Additionally, leptin signaling was considered because together with insulin, it modulates glucose and lipid homeostasis. Even in recent literature, the possibility of vanadium acting against metabolic diseases or cancer is confirmed although the mechanisms of action are not well understood because these critical nodes have not been systematically investigated. Through this review, we establish that vanadium compounds mainly act as phosphatase inhibitors and hypothesize on their capacity to affect kinases, which are critical to other hormones that also act on common parts of the insulin pathway.

Diagnostic strategies and clinical management of lipodystrophy

Introduction: Lipodystrophy is a heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by various degrees of fat loss which leads to serious morbidity due to metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance and subtype-specific clinical features associated with underlying molecular etiology.Areas covered: This article aims to help physicians address challenges in diagnosing and managing lipodystrophy. We systematically reviewed the literature on PubMed and Google Scholar databases to summarize the current knowledge in lipodystrophy management.Expert opinion: Adipose tissue is a highly active endocrine organ that regulates metabolic homeostasis in the human body through a comprehensive communication network with other organ systems such as the central nervous system, liver, digestive system, and the immune system. The adipose tissue is capable of producing and secreting numerous factors with important endocrine functions such as leptin that regulates energy homeostasis. Recent developments in the field have helped to solve some of the mysteries behind lipodystrophy that allowed us to get a better understanding of adipocyte function and differentiation. From a clinical standpoint, physicians who suspect lipodystrophy should distinguish the disease from several others that may present with similar clinical features. It is also important for physicians to carefully interpret clinical features, laboratory, and imaging results before moving to more sophisticated tests and making decisions about therapy.

Evidence in obese children: contribution of tri-ponderal mass index or body mass index to dyslipidemia, obesity-inflammation, and insulin sensitivity

Background Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the development of obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. The tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) may be more effective than body mass index (BMI) for estimating body fat levels. This study compared the efficacy of BMI and TMI in screening for dyslipidemia, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation in childhood obesity. Methods This study included 80 children who were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese using standardized BMI (BMI standard deviation score [SDS]) and TMI measurements. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, total cholesterol, liver function enzymes, leptin, serum free fatty acid (FFA), fetuin-A, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were evaluated using both classification systems. Results LDL-C levels significantly differed within the groups by BMI, and serum FFA levels differed only according to the TMI. Serum MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and fetuin-A levels showed no difference according to the TMI or BMI SDS. Fetuin-A levels did not differ between the insulin-resistant and non-resistant cases. Fetuin-A was the only inflammatory marker positively correlated with BMI. No inflammatory markers correlated with TMI. Fetuin-A, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 correlated with each other, but not with metabolic parameters. Conclusions BMI SDS and TMI were associated with metabolic disturbances in childhood obesity. Weight versus heightn values may be related more to metabolic parameters than to inflammatory changes.

The associations between some biological markers, obesity, and cardiovascular risk in Slovenian children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders steadily increases with the body mass index (BMI). Since the latter is not the best and earliest indicator of obesity and cardiovascular risk, the aim of the study was to evaluate some potential biological markers that would allow us to detect children and adolescents at higher risk at an early stage.

METHODS

A sample of 330 children and adolescents were included in the study and divided into four groups: obese patients with hypertension, normal-weight patients with hypertension, patients with mildly elevated lipids and a control group of healthy children and adolescents. Some clinical parameters (age, body weight, body height, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure), biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein A1, homocysteine) and biological markers of obesity (ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ghrelin and adiponectin were found to have a strong negative statistically significant correlation with BMI in all three observed groups (p < 0.001), but not in the control group (p = 0.053 and p = 0.316, respectively). In addition, leptin had a strong positive statistically significant correlation with BMI in all four groups (p < 0.001 for the research groups, p = 0.009 for the controls). In the group of obese patients with hypertension, statistically significant differences in all three markers of obesity were found in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001 for all markers). In the group of patients with mildly elevated lipids, ghrelin and leptin were significantly different (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the group of normal-weight hypertensive patients, only values of ghrelin were different compared to the control group (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the research groups, significant differences were found in clinical, biochemical and biological parameters compared to the control group. The observed biological markers of obesity are useful early markers for identifying groups of patients that are at cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular Implications in Idiopathic and Syndromic Obesity in Childhood: An Update

Childhood obesity is a modern worldwide epidemic with significant burden for health. It is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, stroke, and insulin resistance. Many obese adolescents remain obese into adulthood, with increased morbidity and mortality. As childhood obesity is a risk factor for adult obesity, the childhood obesity-related disorders account for an increased risk of cardiovascular consequences in adults, in addition to the effects already exerted by the fat mass in adulthood. Several papers have already described the cardiovascular implications of idiopathic obesity, while few data are available about syndromic obesity, due to the small sample size, not homogeneous phenotypes, and younger age at death. The aim of this mini-review is to give a comprehensive overview on knowledge about cardiovascular implications of idiopathic and syndromic obesity to allow the reader a quick comparison between them. The similarities and differences will be highlighted.